“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” -1 Corinthians 6:19-20
HONORING GOD WITH YOUR BODY
What does it mean to honor God with your body? If our bodies are the temple of God, then I believe we need to nurture them with reverence, love, and intentional care.
Take a moment to reflect—what is the current condition of your temple? Does it need a wellness check-up? Some TLC? Maybe it’s time to cultivate new habits. Our bodies give us signals all the time—symptoms such as aches, pains, tiredness, etc.— are the indicator light that something needs attention.
God has entrusted us with these bodies, and caring for them is an act of gratitude. When we listen to and nourish our bodies with what they truly need, we honor the One who created us and are empowered to take control of our health.
SEEKING WELLNESS: Mind-Body-Spirit
Holistic (whole body) Health isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about understanding the deeper messages our bodies are sending us. To seek wellness, we must embrace the truth that our body, mind, and spirit are woven together, each influencing the other. When something feels off, it’s a wake-up call to look deeper, to uncover the root causes rather than simply masking discomfort with medication. If you had the opportunity to restore your health through mindful, holistic choices, wouldn’t you want to explore it? Don’t just manage your symptoms, search for the cause!
One of the most impactful ways to support overall wellness is through the foods we eat, because what we fuel our bodies with directly affects how we feel, think, and function. Eating whole foods will improve your overall wellness. But it’s not about dieting; it’s a lifestyle change. A lifestyle change is ongoing—we’re not going back to our old ways! We want to change our mindsets about food and focus on fueling our bodies.
It takes commitment and discipline. Making this shift requires an investment of effort and time, but the rewards are worth it. Planning and preparing healthy, nourishing meals take thoughtful intention. Will you choose to invest in yourself? I know—it can feel overwhelming. But remember, this is a process that takes time. Growth happens one step at a time.
I’m passionate about encouraging people to reclaim their health. Once you make the changes, you won’t want to turn back. Your palate will evolve, and you’ll feel so much better! But just to be clear, I’m not a holistic health provider, personal trainer, or nutritionist—I’m simply someone who has spent the last three years learning, growing, and putting new habits into practice. And you know what? I feel better. My goal isn’t to prescribe solutions, but to encourage and support you in your own journey and to offer a wake-up call to open your mind to new possibilities to regain your health. We’re in this together, learning step by step, and I hope to inspire you to take ownership of your health in a way that feels right for you.
And remember, true wellness isn’t just about what we feed our bodies—it’s also about what we feed our minds and spirits. Just as whole, nourishing foods help our bodies function at their best, scripture renews and strengthens our minds, shaping our thoughts and guiding our actions.
By caring for our bodies, minds and spirits with intention, we are honoring God.
MAKE SUSTAINABLE CHANGES
Start by making small changes. As you eliminate something, add a healthier alternative (example: eliminate soda—diet soda too! choose seltzer instead). Make one change at a time. Remember, progress over perfection. This is a journey, and we want to make changes that are sustainable for the long haul.
TAKE ACTION: Mind-Body-Spirit Fitness Plan
Mind: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” -Romans 12:2
Body: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” -1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Spirit: “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” -Romans 8:5
Join me starting Monday in the Mind-Body-Spirit Fitness Community—available to Subscribers through Chat—it’s free! Here we will foster connection, encourage growth and inspire action with challenges, food swap suggestions, scriptures to renew our minds and so much more! Are you ready to live with intention and own your health? Let me know in the comments below! Can’t wait to hear who else is excited to get started.
Disclaimer: Soul Awaken is a personal journey of faith and holistic wellness. I am not a doctor, nutritionist, therapist, personal trainer, or any other medical professional. The insights shared here are based on my own personal experience and research, intended to inspire and encourage others who want to take control of their health. Please consult a qualified expert before making any health or wellness decision.
Good stuff, Shelley! I recently restarted WW and am happy to see results on the scale. I do exercise a lot, and I have for a long time. (I've been an instructor since 2013.) While I didn't think I had terrible eating habits, I learned that you can't out exercise a bad diet!
I’ve been thinking about a “fitness” renewal for this summer - more exercise and healthier food choices. I think the scripture from 1 Corinthians can serve as my daily reminder…
I have no definite “plans” yet - I’m currently at the beach enjoying relaxation with friends. I want to start putting some plans together when I return . . .